CMI Defence and Doosan sign a partnership to develop new Light/Medium light tank K-21 105mm.

Doosan DST and CMI Defence have previously co-operated successfully on the Indonesian 6x6 Wheeled Armoured Vehicle project. Under the terms of the MoU, the CMI Defence and Doosan DST will collaborate on turret manufacturing in Korea, development of a Light/Medium Tank (K21-105) and the upgrade of in-service Korean armoured vehicles.

The MoU reflects the values and philosophies shared by the two companies and will contribute greatly to the development of future domestic and export land systems business in the Republic of Korea.

The K21 is the latest generation of armoured infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army to replace the existing K200 series infantry fighting vehicles. It is a tracked amphibious armoured vehicle fitted with a two-man turret armed with 40mm cannon.

The main armament of the K21 IFV consists of one 40mm cannon and two anti-tank guided missile launchers. The secondary armament of the vehicle is a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun.

The vehicle was developed by the South Korean Company Doosan and the first prototype was delivered to the South Korean Army in 2005.

In 2013 at the defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, CMI Defence has presented a new concept of light tank which was fitted with the Cockerill XC-8 120/105 mm turret.

The Cockerill 105mm high pressure gun provides commanders with a wide choice of ammunition to suit the tactical situation; it fires all NATO-standard 105mm types and the Cockerill Falarick 105 Gun Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile (GLATGM). Elevating to +42° this weapon delivers exceptional engagement capability in complex terrain, an indirect-fire HE capability to 10km range, and the GLATGM permits heavy armour to be enagaged at extended ranges.

The Cockerill 120mm high pressure gun provides a strengthened anti-armour capability. This weapon fires all NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore ammunition and the Cockerill Falarick 120 GLATGM, which permits the effective engagement and penetration of heavy armour to beyond 5km range.